FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots had a surprise participant and a surprise absentee on their defensive line at Sunday’s training camp session.

Starting pass rusher Rob Ninkovich, who reportedly tore his triceps muscle last week, was present for practice, wearing a helmet, jersey, shells and shorts like the rest of his teammates.

Fellow starting defensive end Jabaal Sheard was absent. It appeared Sheard suffered an injury Thursday in the Patriots’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, though he never left for the locker room.